Chattooga County has sued Zentell Communications, LLC, and Jonathan W. Allen for breach of contract and fraud related to a late-2024 communications project. The lawsuit, filed in Chattooga County Superior Court, claims Zentell did not meet contract obligations and misused county funds. Former County Commissioner Blake Elsberry paid $333,265 for work that was allegedly not completed. The lawsuit seeks damages equal to the payments made, plus additional compensation for fraud and attorney fees. Attorneys from the Palmour Law Firm are handling the case. Zentell Communications has not yet responded to the lawsuit. WZQZ will have more on this story in tomorrow’s news on the radio and online at www.chattoogainfo.com.

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Wednesday, April 23, 2025:

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Drivers in Northwest Georgia are urged to exercise caution this morning as patchy, dense fog is expected to significantly reduce visibility. The National Weather Service advises motorists that visibility could be less than one-half of a mile in affected areas. The fog is expected to dissipate after 9 AM. Until then, drivers should slow down, use low-beam headlights, and maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead. Later today, scattered thunderstorms are possible across portions of North Georgia. Despite the potential for storms, the day is expected to be partly sunny with a high of 80 degrees. Tonight, there is a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms, with a low of 59 degrees. Patchy fog is expected to return on Thursday morning. Looking ahead to the rest of the week, isolated thunderstorms are forecast from Thursday through Sunday across portions of North and Central Georgia, with the highest chances in North Georgia. Forecasters currently do not expect widespread severe storms during this period.

Veterinarians in Georgia are concerned about an increase in a mysterious respiratory illness affecting dogs. The Georgia Veterinary Medical Association (GVMA) has described this illness as an unidentified respiratory disease and is investigating its cause and treatment options. Veterinarians have noted the difficulty in diagnosis due to the unknown nature of the illness. Her clinic has treated about 15 dogs with symptoms over the last two months, which include a persistent cough similar to whooping cough and low energy levels. The lack of a clear diagnosis complicates tracking the illness’s spread, and it has shown resistance to standard antibiotic treatments, requiring multiple medication rounds. The outbreak seems to be linked to increased dog interactions at boarding and daycare facilities. As the illness is likely airborne, complete avoidance is hard. To protect their pets, veterinarians advise dog owners to keep vaccinations up-to-date and discuss risk factors with their veterinarian, as well as reduce exposure to busy dog areas. Most healthy dogs are expected to recover without issues, but extra care is needed for older dogs or those with existing heart or respiratory problems. Health officials urge dog owners to contact veterinarians if their pets show any signs of respiratory problems.

The Trump administration’s recent decision to grant exemptions from federal emission rules to over 60 power plants, including Plant Bowen and Plant Scherer in Georgia, has sparked controversy among clean energy advocates. The exemptions allow these plants to avoid mercury and other air pollutant regulations, which critics view as prioritizing the coal industry over environmental health. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved the two-year exemption at Southern Co. ‘s request, citing a need for energy security. This decision contrasts with the Biden administration’s push for stricter toxic metal emission standards. Critics argue the exemptions threaten public health and hinder the shift to cleaner energy. Isabella Ariza from the Sierra Club and Keri Powell from the Southern Environmental Law Center have criticized this move, emphasizing the increased risk to local communities. Despite this, Southern Co. claims compliance with federal guidelines and seeks more time for adjustments. The debate on coal power’s future in Georgia continues.

The Georgia Recorder

Last week,  a Summerville man came to the police station to report a fraudulent check.  According to a report released on Monday, the complainant said someone had printed a fake check on his account and Regions Bank and cashed the check.  The complainant said when he discovered the check had cleared his bank, he spoke with the Regions Bank in Summerville who said that they would correct his account, but that he needed to file a police report about the incident.  The case is currently under investigation by the Summerville Police Department.

What started as a rush to a child’s soccer game ended with a Chattooga County man behind bars. Cody Ray Harmon, 33, was arrested last Thursday, and charged with reckless driving and speeding after being clocked traveling at 97 mph in a 55 mph zone on Highway 27. According to the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office report, Deputy Gene Whitworth observed a white Kia Soul traveling north at a high rate of speed near Stoleman Road. Using radar, Deputy Whitworth clocked the vehicle at 97 mph. The report states Deputy Whitworth had to accelerate to 129 mph to catch up to the vehicle before initiating a traffic stop at the intersection of Hwy 27 South and Halls Valley Road. When questioned about his excessive speed, Harmon reportedly told Deputy Whitworth he was rushing to his son’s soccer game. He was then arrested, handcuffed, and transported to the Chattooga County Jail. Harmon was issued citations for Speeding 97/55 and Reckless Driving. His vehicle, a white 2020 Kia Soul with Georgia license plate SCP4133, was impounded and towed by Gill’s Wrecker Service.

James Blevins, 34, of Ringgold, was sentenced to 30 years in prison, with the first 10 to be served without parole, after pleading guilty to trafficking and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. The conviction took place on February 25, 2025, in Catoosa County Superior Court. The case stemmed from an investigation led by Detective Chris Lyons of the Catoosa County Sheriff’s Office. Evidence presented showed Blevins repeatedly sold fentanyl to individuals in the area. A subsequent search warrant executed at Blevins’ residence uncovered approximately 60 grams of fentanyl, a pill press, and over $10,000 in cash. Following his arrest, Blevins admitted to purchasing approximately one ounce of fentanyl weekly in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He then transported the drug back to Catoosa County where he would “cut” it and press it into two ounces of fentanyl pills, selling them locally for $100 per gram. Assistant District Attorney David Wolfe prosecuted the case, and Chief Judge Brian House presided over the guilty plea hearing. District Attorney Clayton M. Fuller, who has made combating fentanyl a top priority since taking office in March 2023, issued a strong statement following the sentencing. “I want to thank the relentless dedication to fight the scourge of fentanyl of Sheriff Gary Sisk and Detective Chris Lyons of the Catoosa County Sheriff’s Office. Their exceptional work not only brought a criminal to account—it saved lives. Let this sentence be a warning to every fentanyl dealer: we are coming for you with the full force of the law.”

Don’t be alarmed by increased activity at Georgia Highlands College’s Floyd County campus on Cedartown Highway today. Nursing students will be participating in a day-long Disaster Simulation Training Exercise designed to prepare them for real-world emergency situations. Second-year nursing students will be tasked with triaging actors portraying victims with a variety of injuries, testing their assessment and critical thinking skills under simulated pressure. The exercise is a collaborative effort made possible through the assistance of volunteers and local emergency management agencies, ensuring a realistic and valuable learning experience for the students. “The best way to prepare our nursing students for disasters is through simulation,” said Director of Nursing Rebecca Maddox. “By involving police and EMS in our simulation, students have the opportunity to work on their collaborative communication skills in addition to utilizing their critical thinking and assessment skills for triage and treatment.” The simulation provides a crucial opportunity for students to hone their skills in a safe and controlled environment, preparing them to effectively respond to future emergencies.